MID Devon District Council and Devon County Council have taken further steps to enable the provision of the Cullompton Relief Road.

The relief road route would pass through the existing Cullompton cricket pitch, so works started in earnest on 27 August to relocate the pitch.

As the foundation for a high-quality pitch is laid, it will take more than a year to fully embed and reach the standard required for future competitive play.

This phase of works is expected to be completed by the end of September 2024, by which time it is hoped that the councils may have further clarity on the provision of the full funding to deliver the relief road.

A business case requesting additional funding to ensure the delivery of the Cullompton Relief Road scheme is currently with Homes England.

They say that the cricket pitch works now being undertaken are important in ensuring swift delivery of the road, should a positive funding decision be confirmed.

They add that the relief road is of key importance to improve the amenity of the town centre, tackle air quality problems and unlock housing in the area.

In a recent 2024 survey, 92 per cent of the local residents who responded were supportive of the relief road proposal.

Councillor Steve Keable, Mid Devon District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, said: “The cricket square is just the beginning. This development is a symbol of the town's growth and ambition, and we look forward to seeing it come to life.

“We hope that by demonstrating our serious commitment to seeing the timely delivery of this critical infrastructure for Cullompton and the Culm Garden Village that the Government will do its utmost in enabling the delivery of the relief road and, in due course, upgrades to Junction 28 as well as the railway station.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “The Town Centre Relief Road is essential to unlocking Cullompton’s potential and this is the first step in its delivery. During this time the existing cricket pitch will remain playable until the new one is ready.”

This cricket pitch forms part of a wider state of the art sports development planned for the Culm Garden Village. More than 100 hectares of land has been proposed for green space and sports facilities including additional cricket pitches, tennis courts, football pitches, and more.

The land holds special significance in terms of local cricket with the family of Josh Farley, a local county cricketer at Bradninch Cricket Club, currently farming the land.